In the lush, rural community of Allman Hill, St. Andrew, mild mannered matriarch Annette McIntosh and her effervescent daughter Christina are embodying the spirit of hope by crafting a legacy of resilience and empowerment through their intricate, handmade straw crafts. Their business, McIntosh Craft, not only keeps the island’s traditional Jippi Jappa straw weaving techniques alive but this dynamic duo has created an intricate network of employment for neighboring women in their community. With products sold across multiple islands, including hotels and gift shops, Annette and Christina inspire other women to embrace their creativity and contribute to the economic fabric of their environment.

Commencing operation in 1983 in the wake of Annette’s job loss due to post-pregnancy complications, what began as a passion project providing a select list of bespoke products including Jamaican personality pencils to boutiques in Kingston, McIntosh Craft is now supplying a wide range of intricately woven straw bags, purses, baskets, dolls, fans, dreamcatchers and more to resorts and gift shops across Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua & Barbuda, and Barbados.. Helping to make that transformation a possibility has been the provision of the company’s first industrial sewing machine as well as the business and product development workshops under the Artisan Programme of the Sandals Foundation.

Now, with a full female team of 11 dedicated permanent and part-time employees from their surrounding community, Annette and Christina’s craftsmanship has garnered widespread admiration from visitors across the world, who appreciate the opportunity to take home a piece of the Caribbean’s unique artistry.

Ms. Plummer has been with the mother – daughter duo for 30 years now expertly strings dreamcatchers -attaching seashells and feathers for shipment to 6 islands. Denise, with 12 years of service, helps create beautiful handcrafted straw fans, while Nadesha, who joined the team 7 years ago and learned how to sew on the job now plays a key role in the production process. The newest member, Althea, works on beading for the dreamcatchers, helping to bring these intricate designs to life. With Christina leading the development of the next phase of McIntosh Craft, she experiments with new product ideas and commissions new machines to inject the technology into once arduous handweaving practices. The team continues to blend tradition with innovation with their products representing a story—one of tradition, passion, and perseverance.

Sustainable Solutions for Lasting Impact

Like many business operators, Annette and Christina have faced the daunting challenge of keeping up with growing demand while managing the rising costs of electricity. With the support of the Sandals Foundation, the team has installed a solar system including a pre-existing charge controller, an inverter, and a 7.2 KWH lithium-ion battery. “We knew we needed a sustainable solution to keep up with the growing demand for our crafts. The solar panels will not only help us save money but also allow us to focus on what we do best—creating beautiful, handmade products,” beamed Annette.

These symbols of a sustainable future for Christina also represent the survival of a unique Jamaican artistry. “With the savings from our energy costs, we can bring in more local artisans and train them, ensuring our skills and traditions are passed down to the next generation.”

Crafting a Brighter Tomorrow

For Annette and Christina McIntosh, the solar panels have lightened their energy load and illuminated new possibilities. With their all-female team by their side, Annette boldly looks towards the horizon, delighted that the future of McIntosh Craft is strong, “It’s not just about making crafts,” she says, “it’s about creating something that lasts—something that empowers.”

Here’s to celebrating International Day of Rural